UAB-Santa Clara Preview: Teams Meet in NIT Tip-Off Tourney

UAB, 1-0, travels to Tucson, Ariz., to play in the first round of the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament vs. Santa Clara, 1-0, on Mon., Nov. 17 at 7 pm.

Opening

The Blazers opened the season by beating Troy on Saturday 87-66. Paul Delaney led all scorers with 24 points, hitting nine of 11 from the free throw line. Lawrence Kinnard added 22 points and 13 rebounds. UAB now has their sights set on the NIT Tournament.

UAB opens up first round play vs. Santa Clara out of the WCC, who last year made it to the semifinals of the WCC, losing to Gonzaga by four. This year Santa Clara won their first game over Cal State East Bay 68-40. Senior John Bryant had his 25th double-double of his career with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

History

UAB has met Santa Clara two times before. The last meeting came in Birmingham in 1994, where SCU won 80-65 in the Blazer Classic. The other meeting was in 1991 in the Cable Car Classic, where the Blazers won.

Probable Starting Lineups

Blazers

Paul Delaney G

Lawrence Kinnard F

Robert Vaden G

Channing Toney G

Aaron Johnson G

Broncos

John Bryant C

James Rahon G

Michael Santos G

Perry Petty G

Ben Dowdell F

The winner of this game will advance to the second round of the NIT Tip-off and face the winner of Arizona/Florida Atlantic, while the loser will also face the loser of that game. Winners play at 10:30 on ESPN 2, and the losers play at 7:30.